Katarzyna Petru
When we talk about "IP", or intellectual property, we mean the rights to brands, worlds, characters, or stories. This is the foundation of today's entertainment industry – if a particular brand is successful, it can be developed over the years in various forms: from video games, to films and series, to books and anime.
From Consoles to an "Entertainment Trading House"
According to the latest report from Nikkei Asia, Sony no longer wants to be associated solely with PlayStation or consumer electronics. The Japanese giant plans something much bigger – to become a sort of "entertainment trading house," a centre that gathers and develops intellectual properties from various sectors.
The company has long been employing a consistent strategy: instead of creating entirely new brands, it invests in already existing IP. This is evident not only in the gaming industry but also in films, anime, and literature. A good example is the investment in Kadokawa – a publishing house that has a vast catalogue of young adult novels, ready for screen adaptation or incorporation into games.
Money that shows the scale
Over the last seven years, Sony has allocated 1.9 trillion yen to IP. This is not only an impressive sum – it is also a clear signal that the company is focusing on broad diversification and brand development in various entertainment sectors.
According to former managers, the entire process of acquisitions and investments aims to strengthen Sony's position in the manner of the largest Japanese conglomerates – such as Mitsubishi and Itochu – which have been building their foundations through diversification of activities for decades.
Voice of Criticism and New Tools
Some analysts point out that Sony could act more transparently. As Ayaka Inomata from Daiwa Securities notes, the company’s reports do not always clearly explain how specific investments translate into its value.
However, the company is trying to respond to these comments. In September, it launched Pollinator Network – an internal talent system supported by generative AI, which connects different industries and allows the use of technology known from gaming, for example, in film production.
Entertainment on Many Fronts
PlayStation still remains a cornerstone of Sony's operations, but it's clear that this is just the beginning. If the strategy succeeds, the Japanese giant could transform into a multimedia empire that impacts the gaming, film, anime, and literature industries with equal force.
